The Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ), a multidimensional instrument designed to measure seven facets of self-concept hypothesized in Shavelson's hierarchical model was administered to fifth- and sixth-grade students. Teachers also evaluated each student's self-concept along the same dimensions. There was substantial student-teacher agreement…

Reports on a study to validate the use of the Picture Potency Formula for predicting the extent to which pictures will stimulate story production. Twenty-four children were asked to tell stories about pictures rated by the formula as being high, medium, and low potency pictures. Discusses potential uses for the formula. (FL)

Although arbitrary, whenever multiple judgmental standard-setting procedures are utilized by different groups concurrently, stability across raters can be achieved and decisions can be made in a relatively judicious manner. Greater stability across methods (Ebel, Nedelsky, Angoff) may be effected by slightly modifying the Ebel approach. (Author/PN)

Concurrent validity studies are reported for the School Attitude Measures (SAM), a recently developed school affective assessment procedure. The studies were conducted at three grade levels (5th, 8th, 11th) with a total sample of 153 subjects. Results indicated that the SAM shows promising concurrent validity related to the criterion measures…

The relationship between memory performance in everyday life and performance on laboratory tests was investigated with normal-memory and previously severely head-injured subjects. Correlation of the two test types was found in normal-memory and long-term head-injured, but not with the recently-injured. Highest correlations were with prose recall…

Assessed the degree that home educational environment predicts reading achievement and student self-esteem in a study of 253 educationally disadvantaged urban elementary school students and their parents. Results showed home environment was a significant predictor of relative and standardized achievement as well as nonacademic self-esteem. (JAC)

Determined effect of testing frequency on data obtained using intensive time-series design. Eighth-grade, earth science student attitudes toward science class and class achievement data were not affected by frequency of data collection. Results of a previous study were also replicated, giving increased confidence in validity of data yielded by the…

The predictive validity of reading attitude, field independence, locus of control, and demographic variables for reading and mathematics achievement was investigated. Expressed Reading Difficulty, field independence, and locus of control all contributed substantially to the regression equation. (Author/CM)

This synopsis of the Committee on Ability Testing report (see ED 213 770 and ED 213 771) discusses recent controversy over testing limitations, test fairness, admissions testing, test disclosure, and test use in public schools to improve substandard performance. (CM)

Interrelationships among IQ, academic achievement, and teacher ratings of pupils' classroom achievement were evaluated in a large sample of children from various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. A substantial relationship between standardized measures of IQ and achievement was found and was independent of race, but decreased with increasing…

Multiple-choice tests were constructed for seven problem-solving skills using learning hierarchies based on expert-novice differences and refined in three phases of field testing. Includes test reliabilities (sufficient for making judgments of group performance but insufficient in single-administration for individual assessment), validity, and…

Because the Matching Familiar Figures Test has a heavy visual perceptual loading, its usefulness for measuring cognitive style was examined with cerebral palsied students, frequently characterized by ocular anomalies and visual perceptual deficits. The students' cognitive styles were qualitatively similar to nonhandicapped. Extraocular movements…

Handicapped and nonhandicapped students were administered the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency to determine regular or specially designed physical education placement. Two of the three functions on the test were significant, indicating usefulness in placement. Fewer than half the test items for each function contributed discriminatory…

Constructed and administered self-report instruments measuring self-perceived social impact and social preference of male and female high school students (N=115). Teachers identified youths thought to fit categories of popular, amiable, isolated or rejected students. Concluded self-report and teacher nominations are unrelated assessments of…

Procedures are presented for state departments of education and the local educational agencies to share the responsibility of showing that a minimum competency test is a fair measure of what is taught. It is recommended that the state lead in technical assistance, provide models, and monitor and evaluate the entire process. (CM)